sensitization

noun

sen·​si·​ti·​za·​tion ˌsen(t)-sə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌsen(t)s-tə-ˈzā-

1

: the action or process of sensitizing

2

: the quality or state of being sensitized (as to an antigen)

Examples of sensitization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That can happen even when there is no ongoing vaso-occlusion, says Darbari, who studies brain-activation patterns to better understand this sensitization process. —Emily Sohn, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

The decision was due to the resin in the product, which can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation or sensitization if inhaled, touched, or ingested by people. —Solcyré Burga, TIME, 25 June 2024

This suggests that central sensitization might be behind the pain in some of these people, says study coauthor Nadine Attal, a pain specialist at the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris. —Amber Dance, Discover Magazine, 21 Jan. 2020

Additionally, it has been shown to help you last longer during intimate activities due to its cbd content - cbd has been found to reduce nerve sensitization in the pelvic area making intense sensations more bearable. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

sensitization

noun

sen·​si·​ti·​za·​tion

variants also British sensitisation

ˌsen(t)-sət-ə-ˈzā-shən, ˌsen(t)-stə-ˈzā- 

1

: the action or process of making sensitive or hypersensitive

allergic sensitization of the skin

2

: the process of becoming sensitive or hypersensitive (as to an antigen)

also : the resulting state

3

: a form of nonassociative learning characterized by an increase in responsiveness upon repeated exposure to a stimulus compare habituation sense 3